Pastel is pure pigment-the same pigment used in making all fine art paints. It is the most permanent of all media when applied to a permanent ground and properly framed. There is no oil to cause darkening or cracking, nor other substance or medium to cause fading or blistering. Pastels from the 16th Century exist today, as fresh and alive as the day they were painted! – RefThe Connecticut Pastel Society

Nothing beats the colourful brilliance of pastels but they are not the cleanest medium to use. Now you can enjoy all the beauty of pastel in a convenient, non-messy form. Wood cased Pastel Pencils have a soft, powdery texture which produces a velvety smooth finish, ideal for mixing and blending. And because theyare pencils, they are clean and easy to control although you may not be able to resist the occasional smudge with your finger! – Ref Derwent

Pastel comes in many forms, from eye compact like blocks of colour which can be applied with tools such as colour shapers, sponges or fingertips, to sticks and pastel pencils which give the convenience of pastel but without much of the mess.

I love pastel pencils, for me they have transformed my artwork. Previously I was a colour pencil artist but found they did not give me the depth of colour I wanted, once I had discovered the humble pastel pencil, my art took on a life of it’s own. I am able to create vivid but lifelike portraits with full backgrounds due to the blendability of sticks. I am addicted to pastels and doubt anything will ever compare for me.